We are inspired by the leadership, passion, and mission-focus that veterans bring to the built environment. However, figuring out what your next steps are after serving can be challenging.

During this episode, we welcome Arpan Patel, Director of Operations at the US Air Force Reserve. He shares his story, from growing up with immigrant parents, to serving and leveraging his background in civil engineering to build a career on the other side.

You’ll also hear about the process of excavating his Ikigai, where the synergy of purpose, skills, opportunity, and passion lives. Arpan describes how he found the willingness to absorb what was available to him in order to make an informed decision about his future. We also explore the importance of favoring legacy and people over dollars and cents, before Arpan shares some of the ideas and principles that have supported him along the way.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Navigating the gut punch of not reaching a lifelong goal to be an aviator.

• The mindset shift required to understand that engineering supports the mission.

• Leadership lessons for the transitioning veteran: networking and more.

• Understanding that people and legacy far outweigh dollars and cents.

Quotes:

“A theme throughout my history is networks that have helped bolster opportunities or allowed me to leverage the opportunities in front of me, opened doors, and allowed me to walk through them.” — Arpan Patel

“Life is unfair and doesn’t pan out the way that you see it, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be defeated.” — Arpan Patel

“Life is tough, but tough times don’t last, tough people do.” — Arpan Patel

“Do your best, go for it, do everything you need to do, but if it doesn’t work out, keep your head up.” — Arpan Patel

“When you find communities that have shared passion and values, you’ll connect.” — Arpan Patel

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Arpan Patel on LinkedIn
Society of American Military Engineers

The E-Myth Revisited

Working Genius

Ikigai

The Go-Giver

Getting Naked
Inspiring People & Places Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn